The New York Rangers look to continue their plan of rebuilding in 2018-19 but, can it help break their 24-year championship drought?
If the summer of 2018 taught New York Rangers fans anything, it was that there is a new era at Madison Square Garden. An era that will not see the big ticketed free agent come to Broadway, but one that places an emphasis on remaining young.
The goal this season will not be Stanley Cup or bust like it has been the last five years under former head coach Alain Vigneault. Now under David Quinn, the emphasis will be on getting better every day. On developing the future the right way, and holding everyone accountable.
This season, the plan is for the prospects to make an impact at the NHL level, and actually, be given a fair shot. To see players like Brett Howden and Filip Chytil grow while playing under the big lights. To see if Tony DeAngelo and Neal Pionk are capable of becoming the next Ryan McDonagh and Dan Girardi’s.
Despite all that, there are still some familiar faces returning to Broadway. Veterans like Henrik Lundqvist, Chris Kreider, Mats Zuccarello, Marc Staal, Kevin Shattenkirk, and many others will look to avenge their dreadful 34-39-9 record. To prove that they still have what it takes to be winning players in the NHL.
ESNY’s Frank Curto and Dom Renna take a look at what this years team may look like come opening night and try to have some fun predicting how the 2018-2019 season might unfold.
Key Losses
- Alain Vigneault
- David Desharnais
- Paul Carey
- Steven Kampfer
- Ondrej Pavelec
If not for the Blueshirts trading away key players like Rick Nash, J.T. Miller, and many others at the 2018 NHL trade deadline, this list could have been much larger. Instead, by trading all of their pending free agents, general manager Jeff Gorton acquired assets instead of letting his players walk. Something Islander fans might be regretting right now.
Perhaps the biggest loss on this list is Alain Vigneault. It did not take too long after the Rangers final game of 2017-18 for the Blueshirts to let Vigneault go. A change was needed, especially for a team that was placing an emphasis on younger players. That just was not the philosophy Vigneault put out there, and it ultimately cost him.
Ondrej Pavelec might not be a big name, but his retirement means that the Blueshirts really will not have a veteran presence behind Henrik Lundqvist. How a younger goaltender handles being a backup is always a question, none bigger than this year.
Key Additions
- David Quinn
- Adam McQuaid
- Fredrik Claesson
- Dustin Tokarski
It really was not a busy offseason in terms of bringing players in on the free agent and trade markets for the Blueshirts. The biggest name, player wise, must be Adam McQuaid who is expected to bring a physical presence to the team. They thought they were getting from Brendan Smith, but with the uncertainty surrounding him, they had to go out and acquire a defenseman that plays a similar style.
When listening to David Quinn talk, it is the polar opposite of listening to Alain Vigneault. It is becoming more apparent every day why Gorton was so aggressive in trying to hire the 52-year-old. Throughout training camp, Quinn has let his team know they should be playing fast, physical, and most importantly be relentless.
Dustin Tokarski is a name Ranger fans are familiar with. He replaced the injured Carey Price for in the Canadiens during the Blueshirts’ 2013-14 Stanley Cup run. The expectation for him is to provide some goaltending depth down the road should they need it at the NHL level.
Looking At The Offense
When it comes to the Rangers offense, there is one question that has to be asked, where is it going to come from?
Under former head coach Alain Vigneault, the Blueshirts seemed to have a score by committee approach which worked to an extent. They also seemed to always go for the “home run” instead of making the short and simple play.
Throughout training camp, we have heard David Quinn preach the idea of keeping it short and simple. Not going for the “home run” because the short and simple plays can lead to a better scoring chance. Should this concept stick, we could see a completely different offense under Quinn.
In terms of players, the Rangers offensively do have some big names that can put the puck in the back of the net. Chris Kreider, Mika Zibanejad, Kevin Hayes and Mats Zuccarello will all be returning and looking for big seasons.
When it comes to Kreider, it is the same story every season: will this be the year he finally puts it all together?
Kreider failed to reach the 20-goal mark a season ago due to a blood clot that cost him 18 games. After returning from injury, he looked like a completely different player. A player whose speed and skill was more apparent than ever, on top of a new found use of the body. If that Kreider shows up this year, he can be the player we all thought he would be.
Both Zibanejad and Hayes emerged as two really important parts of the Rangers offense last year. It will be imperative for this offense if they can not only produce the same in 2018-19 but, be even better. Hayes ended 2017-18 with a career-high 25 goals and, will be playing for a new contract this season after failing to sign a multi-year deal this summer. Zibanejad reached the 27 goal plateau last year, establishing himself as one of the games best centers.
2018-19 will also be Vladislav Namestnikov’s and Ryan Spooner’s first full season on Broadway. Spooner had an impressive debut with 16 points in 20 games. While Namestnikov, on the other hand, did not impress only scoring four points in 19 games. Both will be a major part of the Blueshirt offense this season as some of the established veterans on the roster.
Despite the veteran presence, there is going to be a significant amount of youth mixed in with the Rangers offense. After a brief stint on Broadway last year, Filip Chytil looks to play a bigger role in 2018-19. He along with Brett Howden crack the opening night roster and look to be mainstays throughout the season.
With all of the Blueshirts veterans mixed in with their younger players, the offense should be a strength for this team. Simply put, there is just way too much talent in that group for it not to be.
Projected Lines
- Kreider-Zibanejad-Buchnevich
- Vesey-Hayes-Zuccarello
- Spooner-Chytil-Fast
- Substitutes-Howden-Lettieri
- Extra: McLeod
Defense And Hank Look To Rebound
The defense of this Rangers squad has been the Achilles heel over the past few seasons. Giveaways with the puck, poor coverage in front of their own net and lazy penalties is a tough way to go through a season, yet that is exactly what the defense has done.
Brendan Smith is welcoming a fresh start this season under a new coaching regime. The defenseman who re-signed with the Rangers last summer looks to find his game again and make a squad that desperately needs his speed and hitting prowess. Could a reunion with Brady Skjei be in his future?
Skjei has been in New York for three seasons now. The 24-year -old took a step backward last season, as did most of his teammates. He is considered one of the veteran Ranger defenseman now that Ryan McDonagh is no longer with the club and needs to step his game up as the team eyes a return back to the playoffs. He has all the tools to be a top-five defenseman in the NHL as he looks to lead the Rangers power play on the blueline, and continue to battle the opposition’s top players.
Kevin Shattenkirk looks to rebound following meniscus surgery in January. Coming into camp this year, the team is looking for him to continue the success on the power play he and the team had prior to his injury. The hope is that he will also help the younger defenseman on the team. He should see top-four playing time and quarterback the first power-play unit.
Marc Staal is the veteran of the team on defense. Entering his 13th season, the alternate captain is coming off a solid year last season. The experience Staal has in the NHL cannot be measured. He should be able to bring the knowledge and insight to players like Neal Pionk throughout the season. The stay at home defenseman will continue to do what he has done over the past years, be the strong defenseman with a huge reach who makes the good first pass out of his end and stands strong in front of his own net.
Pionk, the rookie call-up last year, plays with confidence on the ice. This season he enters camp with a great chance to make the opening night roster and, should be able to get a better understanding of what the team is trying to establish under first-year coach David Quinn. Pionk has the ability to play on both the power play and penalty killing units which is the kind of player Quinn will enjoy calling on throughout the season.
Anthony DeAngelo is at a make-or-break point of his career. The young defenseman was recalled to the team late last season and showed vast improvements on the ice. DeAngelo has been recognized for his power play skill, but now he may be more relied on for his offensive play as a third pair defenseman.
Adam McQuaid was acquired late this summer in a deal with the Boston Bruins. He brings to the Rangers 490 games of experience, A Stanley Cup Championship and an aggressive style of play the team has been looking over the past few seasons.
John Gilmour and recently acquired Fredrik Claesson appear to be on the outside looking in on a team with few defenseman spots available.
Projected Defensemen Pairings:
- Skjei-McQuaid
- Smith-Shattenkirk
- Steel-PionkPionk
- Extra: Claesson-DeAngelo
Goaltending
The King, Henrik Lundqvist, will take his spot as the number one goaltender between the pipes as he enters his 14th season with the club. There are plenty of questions regarding Hank’s play but the 36-year-old is expected to carry the load. He is projected to start in 55-60 games this season.
As for the backup situation, Alexandar Georgiev should win the battle over Dustin Tokarski. The club will need to decide how they would like to see Georgiev progress as a professional. General manager Jeff Gorton and the management could decide that it would be better for his growth to play in Hartford and use Tokarski as the backup. Tokarski has only appeared in 34 games over the past six seasons playing for Tampa Bay, Montreal and most recently Anaheim.
Projected Goalie Lineup
- Henrik Lundqvist
- Alexandar Georgiev
Handing Out Early Season Awards
There is so much that can wrong for the Blueshirts in 2018-19, but there is also plenty that can go right. To build off that, let’s take a look at some potential surprises and disappointments that can happen in 2018-19.
Most Improved: Pavel Buchnevich
Pavel Buchnevich is expected to have the best season of his career as former coach Alain Vigneault is no longer behind the bench curtailing his every move. The Russian forward has had a great start to training camp this season showing plenty of speed and scoring this preseason. In the three games he has appeared he has scored two goals as he has seen plenty of power play time.
Buchnevich will get the opportunity to be a top scoring forward for the Rangers as head coach David Quinn has shown he has confidence in the forward since early on in camp.
The winger is entering the final year of his entry-level contract, which should give Buchnevich a little more motivation to have his best career year with the team.
Biggest Disappointment: Vladislav Namestnikov
There might not be high expectations for Vladislav Namestnikov but, we all know the potential that the 25-year-old has. However, that potential just has not translated over on Broadway.
The hope in the offseason was that his 19 game disappearance was just a fluke and an adjustment period for Namestnikov, but it might not be that simple. The fact of the matter is that he has not done anything throughout the preseason and, his past success might just have been a result of playing with Steve Stamkos and Nikita Kucherov.
Namestnikov will be given every opportunity to avenge his dreadful Broadway debut. But, the fact of the matter is that there is way too much talent in the shadows looking for a roster spot. Any player that struggles early could be out of a spot.
Team Awards
- MVP: Chris Kreider
- Runnerup: Mika Zibanejad
- Goals Leader: Chris Kreider (28)
- Assists Leader: Mats Zuccarello (41)
- Points Leader: Pavel Buchnevich (60)
- Rookie of the Year: Brett Howden
This is going to be a big year for both Kreider and Buchnevich.
Kreider is expected to have put it all together while taking on a larger role this year. If he can be the player the Rangers think he can then the rest of the hockey world will be on notice.
For Buchnevich, this is a big season for him for many reasons. Most importantly, he needs to go out there and prove that his inconsistencies had everything to do with his usage under Vigneault than it did with his individual game. Expect big things from him this season.
Season Outlook and Predictions
The New York Rangers may be rebuilding, but that doesn’t mean they will not be competitive. Expect head coach David Quinn to instill confidence and motivation into a young team that will play with a nothing to lose attitude. The Metropolitan division may be the toughest in the NHL, but the Rangers have a chance, if they play well from seasons start, to grab a wild-card spot and possibly a Stanley Cup Final run.
Their elite players such as Mika Zibanejad, Cheri Kreider, Brady Skjei, and Kevin Hayes will all need to play consistent hockey throughout the season for the playoffs to be a possibility. It goes without saying that Henrik Lundqvist will not need to lead the team out on the ice almost every night for all this to come together, it has to be a group effort.
The new leader of the team, David Quinn, will have all the eyes of the hockey world and Rangerstown fixed on him as he takes his new place behind the Ranger bench. This will be his time to show why he was the right hire by general manager Jeff Gorton. A rookie NHL coach right out of Boston University, what could go wrong?
- Pittsburgh 105 PTS
- Washington 103 PTS
- Columbus 101 PTS
- Philadelphia 99 PTS
- New Jersey 93 PTS
- Rangers 81 PTS
- Carolina 80 PTS
- New York Islanders 79 PTS
Staff Picks
- Final Record: (39-34-9, 87 points), sixth place in the Metro
- Team MVP: Chris Kreider
- Goals Leader: Pavel Buchnevich
- Assists Leader: Mats Zuccarello
- Points leader: Mika Zibanejad
- Rookie of the Year: Brett Howden
- Playoff Prediction: Rangers will not make the playoffs
- Final Record: (35-36-9, 81 points), sixth place in the Metro
- Team MVP: Mika Zibanejad
- Goals Leader: Chris Kreider
- Assists Leader: Mats Zuccarello
- Points leader: Pavel Buchnevich
- Rookie of the Year: Filip Chytil
- Playoff Prediction: Blueshirts will miss the playoffs for consecutive years
Yes, there is a possibility that the Rangers can make a run for the playoffs. But, in order for that to happen so many things need to go right. The chances of everything going their way does not seem likely, especially with the powerhouse of a division the Metropolitan Division is. Expect the Blueshirts to be competitive, but, fail to reach the playoffs for consecutive seasons.
- Final Record: 40-30-12 – 92 points, sixth for the Metropolitan Division
- Team MVP: Henrik Lundqvist
- Goals Leader: Pavel Buchnevich
- Assists Leader: Mika Zibanejad
- Points Leader: Mika Zibanejad
- Rookie of the Year: Alexandar Georgiev
If the New York Rangers clinch a berth for the 2019 Stanley Cup Playoffs the team won’t advance past the first round. But, expect the Broadway Blueshirts to put up a good fight and potentially force a Game 7 before being eliminated by a legitimate Stanley Cup contender.